Dads colon cancer has spread, blow after blow

Hi, found out yesterday my dad's cancer has spread and I am feeling lost and needed somewhere to post about it and maybe talk with others who have experienced the same. 

In june 2017 my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer, he had everything removed which was at the time a sucess (he has lived with a bag etc since) and we thought all was ok. He had some chemo as they had found traces in his lymph nodes but in June 2019 follow up was told they couldnt see any traces of cancer. 

Then in late october 2019 he collapsed at home and couldnt speak, after a ct/mri scan at hospital doctors found brain metases but were confident they could operate. Dad stayed strong through it all , had brain resection and radiotherapy and the tumours reacted well. He's due a 3 monthly scan on his brain soon but the Dr advised also one of his body to be sure. We went yesterday fully expecting them to have found nothing but we were met with the devestating news that they have found 'deposits' is his lungs and lymph nodes of the stomach and needs to start chemo asap and will need it to prolong his life, every 2 weeks for 3 months at a time before a review, we still havent had his brain scan so no idea if there are more tumours there either yet. 

I am just in complete shock.. how is it possible to effectively get the all clear less than a year ago to now being told its practically spread everywhere? It is just impossible for me to comprehend as he looks totally fine (minus the hair loss from cyberknife) and I don't know what to do. He's only 58 and I am an only child, I just dont know how to be there for him as our relationship has never been massively close. He's just been pretty much lazing around watching tv since we found out (nothing new) and is acting fine but I know he must be feeling terrified really.. and with this corona virus i'm so anxious and worried about him. 

The nurse said that many patients manage this for years, she said some respond very well to the chemo and can have a longer break in between rounds until the cancer 'wakes up' again. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with a similar situation or the same cancer, or a relative? 

J

  • Hello Jade, 

    I'm so very sorry to hear that your Dad has been given this diagnosis this week . It's understandabley a difficult time for you all particularly in the current health climate. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses?  You're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) and I'm sure that they will be able to offer you some support and advice. 

    You might also want to have a look at our science blog here which has up to date information about Covid-19 and cancer. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator